Tag: Victoria

Just like the best journeys have no true beginning or end, neither should the relationships we forge along the way- Unknown

Today was bittersweet. It was my final treatment which not only included my usual Pinda Sweda but also a Shirodhara and Reiki treatment. The good (the treatment and chatting with Manjot about my life) comes with the not-so-good (the finishing of the treatments and not seeing Manjot for a while).

However, reaching a new point means letting go of what’s come before. So, I thoroughly enjoyed my final treatment and our final chat (for now) and prepared myself for my farewell.

As I hugged Manjot I said to her “It’s not goodbye, just cya later.” We both smiled and I knew that it was true.

According to Ayurveda, someone who is healthy has all three Doshas in balance, a wholesome appetite, strong digestion, all body tissues functioning favourably, regular excretion, and their mind is in a state of bliss, in tune with the spirit.

There are many ways in which you can begin to balance your Doshas, one way is obviously through the food we eat but another way is engaging in a regular routine of looking after your health and wellness of your mind, body, and spirit.

That daily routine is called Dinacharya. Below I have simply listed the steps in an Ayurvedic daily routine. If you are just starting out I recommend trying to implement just 1 or 2 of these steps and establish a good routine before taking on any more steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed and then giving up altogether.

Dinacharya: Your Daily Yogic Routine

The Ayurveda practice of Dinacharya, or “law of nature,” consists of daily self-care routines, which provide structure for instilling balance and establishing cohesiveness in the physical, mental, and emotional bodies.

1. Wake up in the morning before sunrise.

2. If easy and natural… eliminate: empty bowel and bladder. Don’t strain. Ayurveda never wants us to resist healthy natural urges, or strain by trying to force them. If you have trouble emptying your bowels every day, you can always try these reflexology points to help you naturally and easily relieve minor/ temporary constipation.

3. Wash your face and splash cold water in the eyes. Our eyes work very hard all day and they tend to accumulate a lot of heat. Splashing a bit of cold water into each eye in the morning helps to cool, soothe, and relax the eyes, but also helps us to feel more vibrantly awake.

4. Scrape your tongue (yes, I know it sounds revolting and it is gross but now, 9 months in, I can’t stand not doing it first thing in the morning as my mouth feels so much better for doing it). Please see my Blog “Tongue Scraping & Oil Pulling” for more information on how to do this.

5. Oil pulling (once again it is something that takes some getting used to but once you get used to it, it is addictive). Please see my Blog “Tongue Scraping & Oil Pulling”.

13. Practice Meditation starting with just a few minutes each day and working up to twenty minutes.

14. Eat a light breakfast.

15. Then… work or school- you are ready to do this

16. Make your biggest meal your lunch.

17. Go to bed early.

The above are only a select few options on the full menu of Dinacharya offerings. Obviously, you will already be doing some of the things listed above and won’t need to add everything to your routine. Try one or try all the offerings. I suggest taking on adopting one or two practices to start with and continue to build your routine. The adoption of two Dinacharya-inspired changes can make a difference when enveloped into your day-to-day routine. For example, since January I have implemented oil pulling and tongue scraping into my daily routine and my mouth is thanking me for doing so! We are all works in progress and I continue to work towards building other practices into my daily routine.

The implementation of a personal Dinacharya ritual can serve as powerful and effective insurance for physical, mental, and emotional health and wellbeing.

One day, two monks set out for a temple in a valley beyond the woods. While cutting a pathway through the woods, they came across a choppy stream they needed to cross. There, stood by the bank of the stream, was a beautiful young maiden dressed in silk. She was clearly at a loss as to how to cross without getting muddy and wet.

So, without thinking twice, the elder monk gestured to pick her up. Shocked, she obliged. He put her over his shoulder and waded across to the other side. The younger monk, dismayed and uneasy at what he had witnessed, followed in tow.

Upon reaching the other side of the bank, the elder monk put the maiden down gently. The maiden paid her respects and walked on. The monks then continued on their way to the temple.

As they navigated through the forest, the younger monk, still troubled by what he’d seen, asked, “How could you do that? We aren’t even supposed to make eye contact with women, let alone pick them up and carry them!”

Without a thought, the elder monk turned to the younger monk and said, “Oh, are you still carrying her? I put her down when I reached the other side of the stream”.

And with that, the elder monk turned and continued leading the way through the forest, leaving the younger monk to contemplate his words for the remainder of the journey.

– Author Unknown

It is very interesting to me that the lesson of ‘letting go’ has come up in my Ayurveda sessions. As you might recall, I wrote about this in an earlier post ‘Life Lessons’where I admitted that letting go is one of the hardest lessons for me. I am so glad that it has come up again as it is another reminder that it is an area in my life that I need to spend some more time developing. After all, if we are holding onto yesterday’s actions, it will affect today’s progress. Thinking and worrying about what we did or didn’t do, should or shouldn’t have said or done cannot change the past. Beating ourselves up over past wrongs cannot make them right. Instead, we need to forgive ourselves, try to make amends with the people we have hurt, and move on with life the best we can. Well at least that’s what I want to do as life is short and the only way to enjoy it is to live in the present moment.

Karma is the law of cause and effect– an unbreakable law of the cosmos. Your actions create your future. The reason your fate is never sealed is because you have free will. Therefore, your future cannot already be written. That would not be fair. Life gives you chances. This is one of them.

“A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes.” – Ghandi

The Great Law/ Law of Cause and Effect: “As you sow, so shall you reap.”

The simple explanation of the Great Law is: our thought and actions have consequences- good or bad.

Energy (thought, action) that we put into the world has a consequence, immediate or not.

To receive happiness, peace, love, and friendship, one must BE happy, peaceful, loving, and a true friend.

Whatever one puts out into the Universe will come back to them.

The Law of Creation: “What we desire comes through participation.”

Life requires our participation to happen. It does not happen by itself.

We are one with the Universe, both inside and out.

Whatever surrounds us gives us clues to our inner state.

Surround yourself with what you want to have in your life and be yourself.

The Law of Humility: “Refusal to accept what is, will still be what is.”

One must accept something in order to change it.

We must first accept the present circumstances in order to change them.

In focusing on the negative instead of making changes to address the negative, we’re committing to a zero-sum result.

The Law of Growth: “Our own growth is above any circumstance.”

“Wherever you go, there you are.”

The only thing we have control over is ourselves.

True change only occurs if we make the commitment to change what is in our heart.

It is we who must change and not the people, places or things around us if we want to grow spiritually.

When we change who and what we are within our hearts, our lives follow suit and changes too.

The Law of Responsibility: “Our lives are of our own doing, nothing else.”

When there is turbulence in one’s own life, there is often turbulence internally. If we’re to change our life, we must change our frame of mind and surroundings.

We mirror what surrounds us, and what surrounds us mirrors us; this is a Universal Truth.

One must take responsibility for what is in one’s life.

The Law of Connection: “Everything in the Universe is connected, both large and small.”

Our past, present and future are all connected. As such, we must put in the work to change these connections if we desire something different.

The smallest or seemingly least important of things must be done because everything in the Universe is connected.

No step- first, intermediate or last- is more important in the accomplishment of a task. All are required.

Each step leads to the next step, and so forth and so on.

The Law of Focus: “One cannot direct attention beyond a single task.”

We cannot have negative thoughts or actions and expect to grow spiritually. We must direct full attention to achieve any desired task.

One cannot think of two things at the same time.

Always think thoughts of love.

If our focus is on Spiritual Values, it is not possible for us to have lower thoughts like greed or anger.

The Law of Hospitality and Giving: “Demonstrating our selflessness shows true intentions.”

What we claim to believe must manifest into our actions. Selflessness is a virtue only if we’re accommodating something other than ourselves.

Without a selfless nature, true spiritual growth is nearly impossible.

If one believes something to be true, then sometime in their life they will be called upon to demonstrate that truth.

Here is where one puts what they claim to have learned into practice.

The Law of Change: “History repeats itself unless changed.”

Conscious commitment to change is the only method of influencing the past. History will continue along an unconstructive path until positive energies direct it elsewhere.

One cannot be in the here and now if they are looking backward to examine what was or forward to worry about the future.

Old thoughts, old patterns of behaviour, and old dreams prevent us from having new ones.

The Law of Here and Now: “The Present is all we have.”

History repeats itself until we learn the lessons that we need to change our path.

Looking back regretfully and forward pointlessly robs oneself of a present opportunity. Old thoughts and patterns of behaviour negate the present chance to advance ourselves.

Live in the here and now. Practice Mindfulness.

The Law of Patience and Reward: “Nothing of value is created without a patient mindset.”

Rewards are not the end-result. True joy comes from doing what one is supposed to be doing, and knowing that the reward will come in its own time.

The Law of Significance and Inspiration: “The best reward is one that contributes to the Whole.”

One gets back from something whatever they put into it.

The true value of something is a direct result of the energy and intent that is put into it.

Every personal contribution is also a contribution to the Whole.

The end result is of little value if it leaves little or nothing behind. These lesser contributions have no impact on the Whole, nor do they work to diminish it.

Loving contributions bring life to and inspire the Whole.

Energy and intentions are vital components that determine the significance of an end-result. Ideally, love and passion embody the motives of one that resolves to leave a lasting impression on the Whole.

Namaste,

Natalie

P.S. This list was adapted from several websites. The words above are not my original thoughts or words. For further reference you can visit the following websites where I obtained this information:

There is a Taoist story of an old farmer who had worked his crops for many years. One day his horse ran away. Upon hearing the news, his neighbours came to visit. “Such bad luck,” they said sympathetically.

“It is what it is,” the farmer replied. The next morning the horse returned, bringing with it three other wild horses. “How wonderful,” the neighbours exclaimed.

“It is what it is,” replied the old man. The following day, his son tried to ride one of the untamed horses, was thrown off violently, and broke his leg. The neighbours again came to offer their sympathy on his misfortune. “It is what it is,” answered the farmer.

The day after, military officials came to the village to draft young men into the army. Seeing that the son’s leg was broken, they passed him by. The neighbours congratulated the farmer on how well things had turned out. “It is what it is,” said the farmer.

– Author Unknown

It is what it is. It is neither good nor bad; nor positive or negative. It just is.

During this journey, I would like to share some of my favourite stories with you.

Once a king called upon all of his wise men and asked them, “Is there a mantra which works in every situation, in every circumstance, in every place and in every time – in every joy, every sorrow, every defeat, and every victory- one answer for all questions? Something which can help me when none of you is able to advise me? Tell me, is there any mantra?”

All the wise men were puzzled by the King’s question. After a lengthy discussion, an old man suggested something which appealed to all of them. They went to the King and gave him a ring with words engraved into it, with a condition that the King was not to read it out of curiosity. Only if, in extreme danger, when the King finds himself alone and there seems to be no way out, only then he can read it. The King wore the ring without reading the engraving.

Sometime later, the neighbours attacked the kingdom. The King and his army fought bravely but lost the battle. The King fled on his horse and the enemies followed him. The King found himself standing at the mouth of a deep ditch. If he jumped into it, there would be no way out. The sound of the enemy horses were approaching fast and the King became restless. There was nowhere else to go.

The King remembered his ring and about the engraving. He decided to read the message.

“This, too, shall pass.”

The King read it again and again until something struck him. Yes! This, too, will pass. Only a few days ago, I was enjoying my kingdom; I was the mightiest of all the Kings. Yet today, the Kingdom and all its pleasures are gone. I am trying to flee from my enemies. But just as those days of luxuries have gone, this time of danger will pass, too. Calm came over the King. He remained still and silent. The King looked around at the place where he was standing and realized how beautiful it was. He had never known that such a beautiful place existed in his Kingdom.

The revelation of the ring’s message had a great effect on him. He relaxed and forgot about his pursuing enemies. After a while, he realized that the noise of galloping horses had receded and that his enemies had lost him.

The King gathered himself and reorganized his shambled forces and fought again. He defeated the enemy and reclaimed his empire. When he returned to the city after the victory, he was received with much fanfare. The whole capital was rejoicing and everyone was in a festive mood. Flowers rained down upon the King from every house, from every terrace as he trotted by. People were dancing and singing. In this moment the King thought to himself, “I am one of the bravest and greatest Kings. It is not easy to defeat me.” In all of the celebration an ego emerged in the King.

Then a ray of sunlight caught the King’s ring and sharply flashed into his eye reminding him of its message, “This, too, shall pass.”

He lowered his gaze and his valiant expression changed to one of humility. He realized, again, that if this, too, is going to pass, it is not yours. The defeat was not yours. The victory was not yours. You are just a player. Everything passes by. We are witnesses of all of this. We are the beholders.

Happiness comes and goes. Sorrow comes and goes. And Life?

This, too, shall pass

– Author Unknown

I really like the moral of this story. It resonates with me and my life. After reading this story, allow yourself some time for reflection. Does this story resonate with you and your life?

Like the king, we are moved by the smallest things. The silliest event, or person, can make us miserable in a flick of a switch. However, the truth is, the moment we realize that all will pass, we will approach life differently. We won’t be as attached to the results and instead just enjoy the moment.

Looking back in my life, there have been many things that I didn’t like when they happened but they all passed and what was left was a teaching, a lesson and an experience. I learnt something about myself and have shaped who I am today.

OMG! I am in heaven I thought to myself as I lay on the massage table. Manjot lathers on loads of warm oil and then uses a pouch of dried herbs to massage the oil into my back and shoulders. It is absolutely divine!

I lay on the massage table for about an hour and a half as Manjot and I chatted away about life and other issues that had surfaced after my consultation.

The session flowed between pure bliss and deep thought and self-discovery. Manjot questioning opened-up repressed thoughts, feelings, and emotions that bubbled up during the session. There were moments of pain when she pressed and massaged certain areas of my body and then there were times of absolute relaxation.

During the periods of pain and uncomfortable self-discovery I thought of the story that was shared with me at a yoga retreat earlier this year: This too will pass and during both the painful pressing and prodding (both physically and mentally) and the pleasurable relaxation I reminded myself that this too will pass. Nothing is forever. In fact, it was Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher, who is quoted as saying “Change is the only constant in life.”

Every thought, feeling, emotion and situation in life is temporary. Life’s ebbs and flows can be viewed in two ways: “I deserve this/ I don’t deserve this” or “This too shall pass”. In essence, this means not to judge the situations that you may find yourself in, whether it is pleasant, unpleasant, joyous, sad or disappointing. By uttering these words to yourself, you will realise that every feeling, emotion, thought or situation in life is temporary. Once you realise that, you will feel acceptance. You will not resist and instead will accept whatever you may be facing in your life with the knowledge and reassurance that this feeling, emotion, thought, person or situation will not be there forever. I honestly wish that I knew this earlier in life as I may not have been carrying these unhelpful thoughts and feelings around for so long.

After the treatment, I felt amazing- happier, warmer and more grounded than I have in a long time.

Namaste,

Natalie

Click here if you want to read about Treatment 2. Otherwise hit the next button below to read a story that relates to my experience today.

Besides the clear health benefits gained by walking (strengthens your heart and lungs, releases feel-good endorphins while reducing stress and anxiety, and tones muscles to name a few), walking provides time to think, meditate and step out of the rapid pace of modern life.

Victorians are lucky to have an abundance of bushwalks that are spectacular, safe and easily accessed. For my husband and I bushwalking is a cheap and easy way to get fit, a great way to de-stress, a perfect opportunity to leave the suburban life behind, and most importantly, reconnect with nature.

This weekend in Victoria is a long weekend, so my husband and I have packed up our tent, sleeping bags, camping chairs and camp stove and have headed off for a weekend in nature with the plan to go on several bushwalks…

Well with the endorphins still pumping from our afternoon hike, I’d like to share with you some ways in which I enhance my bushwalks (and how you can too).

Connect with your body:

Take the time to sense your body as you walk. Feel your feet supporting you as you walk, your lungs expanding and contracting, and your heart beating in your chest. Send good thoughts to them, appreciating how much they do for you every day. Observe any aches and pains and send good thought to them too.

Mindful walking:

Try switching off and really focus on your surroundings. Utilise all of your senses- listen to the grasshoppers hopping from strands of grass, the cicadas chirping, the birds singing and the lizards rustling in the dry leaves and bark. Inhale the fresh eucalyptus-smelling air, feel the uneven ground under your feet, look up and observe how the light filters through the leaves creating patterns against the clear blue sky, notice the puffy white clouds float through the sky or feel the rough and smooth textures of the bark on the trees as you gently brush your fingers along their trunks as you pass.

Take a moment to meditate:

Find a peaceful spot, take a seat, keeping your back straight, close your eyes, and just practice sitting.

Grounding:

Find a good earthy spot, take your shoes and socks off and just walk on nature. Stand for a while and imagine you are an ancient tree with roots that feed down deep into the soil connecting you to the earth, supporting you and keeping you upright. This type of grounding visualisation works with the root chakra and will help you feel grounded, safe and secure.

Socialise:

Walking with friends or family and talking to them is far more personal than talking to someone on the phone/ over Facebook, etc. If your friends or family don’t share the same interests as you, why not try joining a meet-up walking group? When my husband is not available, I sometimes meet up with walking groups around Melbourne. It is a great opportunity to walk with like minded people. Meeting new people can also allow you to share ideas or just give you an opportunity to listen to a different point of view.

Walking connects you to the earth, reconnects you with nature and is a great way to distress. If you are already a walker, why not try some of my suggestions above! And if you aren’t already a walker, why not get out and try it for yourself?